Toy container

ABSTRACT

A toy container is for accommodating a toy and is made of paper containing a predetermined amount of pulp. Accordingly, the toy container can be an earth-environment friendly product as compared to conventional plastic products that are not naturally decomposable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

This national phase application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2020/043926 claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2019-229216 and 2020-149140 filed on Dec. 19, 2019 and Sep. 4, 2020 respectively. The entire content of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2019-229216 and 2020-149140 is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a toy container that houses a toy.

BACKGROUND ART

Capsule type toy containers used for capsule toys, etc., are known from the past (see Patent Document 1, for example).

Though some of this type of toy container are made of paper (see Patent Document 2, for example), they are typically made of plastic (synthetic resin) such as PP (polypropylene or the like).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   [Patent Document 1] Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-150055 -   [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration Publication No.     3128732

SUMMARY Problems the Invention is Intended to Solve

However, the environmental load is high for plastics that do not decompose naturally. In the capsule noted in Patent Document 2, the part made of paper is limited to only a portion, with the other parts still made of plastic.

In light of that, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a toy container that is environmentally friendly.

Means for Solving the Problems

A toy container for accommodating a toy is made of paper that contains a prescribed amount of pulp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy container of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the toy container of the first embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the toy container of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a cross section view of the toy container in line C-C of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the toy container seen from the arrow D direction of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the toy container in a toy housing state in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a cross section view of the toy container in line E-E of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a partial cross section view of the opening edge parts in the toy housing state in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the toy container of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a plan view of a toy container of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the toy container of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a cross section view of the toy container in line F-F of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the toy container seen from the arrow G direction of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the toy container in a toy housing state in the second embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a cross section view of the toy container in line H-H of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the toy container seen from the arrow J direction of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the toy container seen from the arrow K direction of FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 1. First Embodiment

Following, a first embodiment of a toy container according to the present invention is explained.

1-1. Configuration of the Toy Container

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toy container 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are a plan view and a side view of the toy container 1. FIG. 3A is a cross section view of the toy container 1 in line C-C of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3B is a side view of the toy container 1 seen from the arrow D direction of FIG. 2A. FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 show the toy container 1 in a molded state (the state as is after molding).

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the toy container 1 of the first embodiment is formed in a capsule form, and a product (toy: illustration omitted) is housed therein with the ability to be taken out. There is a plurality of these toy containers 1 in a product housing state that are housed inside a product discharge device (not illustrated), for example. When a coin is inserted from a coin insertion slot and the handle is rotated, the product discharge device discharges one of the plurality of toy containers 1 housed inside to the outlet port.

The toy container 1 is made of paper, and the entirety is formed integrally with paper using a manufacturing process described later. The material paper is sufficient provided it contains pulp (plant fiber) of a prescribed amount (50 wt % or greater, for example). However, mainly from the perspective of recyclability, it is preferable that the content of an adhesive agent be a certain amount or less.

In specific terms, the toy container 1 comprises a pair of housing units 2 (a first housing unit 2A and a second housing unit 2B), and a linking unit 3 that links the pair of housing units 2.

The pair of housing units 2 are formed as substantially hemispheres of the same size, and have a substantially hemispherical housing space inside.

The linking unit 3 links the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units 2 in living hinge form. In more detail, with the toy container 1 in a molded state, in a state with the opening parts of the pair of housing units 2 mutually aligned facing the same direction, the linking unit 3 that extends in flange form from the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units 2 links the pair of housing units 2.

Each of the pair of housing units 2 also has a reinforcement section 21 projecting to the outside. The reinforcement section 21 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical surface form of a prescribed width having a radius comparable to that of the housing unit 2, and extends from one end of the opening edge part connected with the linking unit 3 to the other end of the opening edge part via the top.

Both ends in the width direction of the reinforcement section 21 project to the outside in stepped form with respect to the other spherical part of the housing unit 2. For that reason, the strength of the housing unit 2 against deformation is improved. Also, since the reinforcement section 21 is in cylindrical surface form, a label can be attached or directly printed on the outside surface to use that surface as an information display surface for showing information about the housed toy, etc., for example. When attaching a label, it is preferable to use a label that is made of paper (paper tape, etc.).

The reinforcement section 21 is not particularly limited to a specific shape as long as it is formed to be concave or convex with respect to the other part of the housing unit 2. In other words, the reinforcement section 21 is curved. For example, there may be a plurality extending radially from the top of the housing unit 2. However, to use the outside surface of the reinforcement section 21 as an information display surface, it is preferable that the surface include an expandable surface (a surface that can be expanded on a flat surface without stretching), and more preferable to include a cylindrical surface or a flat surface. Furthermore, the reinforcement section 21 may be provided in at least one of the pair of housing units 2.

Other examples of the reinforcement section 21 include an item for which one end is in contact with the edge of the housing unit 2, an item for which a plurality of small items having a rectangular surface, etc., are provided, an item having a honeycomb structure, an item for which recesses and projections are formed by changing the paper thickness, etc.

Each of the pair of housing units 2 has a plurality of through holes 22. With the present embodiment, two each of the through holes 22 are formed at the spherical part at both sides sandwiching the reinforcement section 21 of the housing units 2. However, the size, position, and quantity of the plurality of through holes 22 are not particularly limited.

With this plurality of through holes 22, an airway is ensured even if the toy container 1 is aspirated.

Of the pair of housing units 2, the first housing unit 2A has a locking projection 23. The locking projection 23 is provided at a position on the side opposite to the position linked by the linking unit 3 of the opening edge part of the first housing unit 2A. The locking projection 23 extends in flange form in the radial outward direction with respect to the opening edge part of the substantially circular first housing unit 2A in the plan view. The locking projection 23 has the tip part formed at a wider width than the width of a locking hole 24 described later. In specific terms, the locking projection 23 has at both sides in the width direction hook parts 23 a that extend at a prescribed width facing the tip, and that on the tip side, gradually narrow in width as they approach the tip after expanding in stepped form.

Meanwhile, the second housing unit 2B has the locking hole 24 in which the locking projection 23 of the first housing unit 2 is locked. The locking hole 24 is provided at a position of the opening edge part of the second housing unit 2B on the side opposite to the position at which the linking unit 3 is linked, and with the present embodiment, is provided on the reinforcement section 21. This locking hole 24 is wider than the width of the tip and the base end side of the locking projection 23, and is formed to have a narrower width than the maximum width of the hook part 23 a.

Each of the pair of housing units 2 has a flange part 25 protruding to the outside from the substantially circular opening edge part along substantially the full circumference of the opening edge part.

Furthermore, a vertical wall 25 a is provided erected in the opening direction of the opening edge part from the outer peripheral edge on the flange part 25 of the second housing unit 2B of the pair of housing units 2. This vertical wall 25 a is provided along substantially the entire range of both sides sandwiching the reinforcement section 21 in the plan view of the flange part 25.

1-2. Toy Housing State

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the toy container 1 in a toy housing state. FIG. 4B is a cross section view of the toy container 1 in line E-E of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a partial cross section view of the opening edge part in the toy housing state.

The toy container 1 is in a toy housing state by the openings of the pair of housing units 2 being mutually closed from the molded state. In specific terms, as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, from the molded state, while bending the linking unit 3, the openings of the pair of housing units 2 are closed with the opening edge parts (flange parts 25) of the pair of housing unit 2 aligned with each other. In this way, the toy container 1 is in a substantially spherical toy housing state. At this time, the product (toy) is housed in the housing space inside the pair of housing units 2.

Then, the locking projection 23 of the first housing unit 2A is bent to the second housing unit 2B side so as to sandwich the flange part 25 of the second housing unit 2B, and is inserted inside the locking hole 24 of the second housing unit 2B. In other words, the locking projection 23 is elastic or made of elastic material. At this time, the locking projection 23 is inserted until the hook part 23 a is pushed into the locking hole 24 and enters the housing space. As a result, the hook part 23 a of the locking projection 23 is locked in the locking hole 24, and the pair of housing units 2 have the openings closed to retain the toy housing state. The pair of housing units 2 are linked in living hinge form in a state with the locking projection 23 inserted in the locking hole 24.

In this toy housing state, as shown in FIG. 4C, a gap S between the mutual opening edge parts (flange parts 25) of the pair of housing units 2 is covered by the vertical wall 25 a provided on the flange part 25 of the second housing unit 2B. This makes it possible to prevent (the product) inside from being visible or dirt from entering from the gap S.

When a user takes out the product (toy) from the toy container 1 in a toy housing state, the locking projection 23 (or the linking unit 3) can be torn by hand (cut into pieces) to open the toy container 1, for example. The locking projection 23 (linking unit 3) is made of paper so can easily be torn. The locking projection 23 (or the linking unit 3) may also have slits provided to make tearing easier.

1-3. Method for Manufacturing the Toy Container

Following, a brief explanation is given regarding the manufacturing method (manufacturing process) of the toy container 1.

First, the raw material pulp is mixed with water to make a liquid molding material.

Next, the liquid molding material is scooped using a male die (molding die) of the toy container 1, and is sandwiched by a female die (molding die). At this time, the moisture is sucked out from holes in the surface of the molding die. With this step, the general shape of the toy container 1 is molded.

Next, in a state with the molding material left sandwiched by the molding dies, compression is done while applying heat to evaporate moisture.

Then, with the dried molding material in a state fitted in the male die, the extra part around the edge is cut using a punching blade.

In this way, the toy container 1 in the molded state shown in FIG. 1 is completed.

1-4. Technical Effect of the First Embodiment

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the toy container 1 is made of paper containing a prescribed amount of pulp, so it is possible to make the toy container 1 more environmentally friendly compared to the past when made of plastic that did not naturally decompose. Also, printing and coloring is easier compared to the past when made of plastic.

Also, according to the first embodiment, at least one of the substantially hemispherical pair of housing units 2 has the reinforcement section 21 formed to be concave or convex with respect to the other part of the housing unit 2, so with this reinforcement section 21, the strength against deformation of the housing units 2 can be improved.

Also, according to the first embodiment, in the reinforcement section 21, the outside surface of the housing unit 2 includes a flat surface or a cylindrical surface. For that reason, it is possible to attach a label or directly print on the surface of this reinforcement section 21, and to be able to use the surface as an information display surface.

2. Second Embodiment

Following, a second embodiment of the toy container according to the present invention is explained. The same constituent elements as those of the first embodiment are given the same code numbers.

2-1. Configuration of the Toy Container

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toy container 4 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are a plan view and a side view of the toy container 4. FIG. 7A is a cross section view of the toy container 4 in line F-F of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7B is a side view of the toy container 4 seen from the arrow G direction of FIG. 6A. FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 show the toy container 4 in a molded state (the state as is after molding).

As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the same as with the toy container 1 according to the first embodiment, the toy container 4 according to the second embodiment is formed in a capsule form, and a product (toy, illustration omitted) is housed therein with the ability to be taken out. There is a plurality of these toy containers 4 in a state with the product housed stored inside a product discharge device (not illustrated), for example. When a coin is inserted from a coin insertion slot and the handle is rotated, the product discharge device discharges one of the plurality of toy containers 4 housed inside to the outlet port.

The toy container 4 is made of paper, and the entirety is formed integrally with paper using a manufacturing process described later. The material paper is sufficient provided it contains pulp (plant fiber) of a prescribed amount (50 wt % or greater, for example). However, mainly from the perspective of recyclability, it is preferable that the content of an adhesive agent be a certain amount or less.

In specific terms, the toy container 4 comprises a pair of housing units 5 (a first housing unit 5A and a second housing unit 5B), and the linking unit 3 that links the pair of housing units 5.

The same as the housing units 2 of the first embodiment, the pair of housing units 5 are formed as substantially hemispheres of the same size, and have a substantially hemispherical housing space inside.

The linking unit 3 links the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units 5 in living hinge form. In more detail, with the toy container 4 in a molded state, in a state with the opening parts of the pair of housing units 5 mutually aligned facing the same direction, the linking unit 3 extending in flange form from the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units 5 links the pair of housing units 5.

Each of the pair of housing units 5 also has the reinforcement section 21 projecting to the outside. The reinforcement section 21 of the present embodiment is configured in the same way as that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the reinforcement section 21 is formed in a cylindrical surface form of a prescribed width having a radius comparable to that of the housing unit 5, and extends from one end of the opening edge part connected with the linking unit 3 to the other end of the opening edge part via the top.

Both ends in the width direction of the reinforcement section 21 project to outside in stepped form with respect to the other spherical part of the housing unit 5. For that reason, the strength of the housing unit 5 against deformation is improved. Also, since the reinforcement section 21 is in cylindrical surface form, a label can be attached or directly printed on the outside surface to use that surface as an information display surface for showing information about the housed toy, etc., for example. When attaching a label, it is preferable to use a label made of paper (paper tape, etc.).

The reinforcement section 21 is not particularly limited to being that specific shape provided it is formed to be concave or convex with respect to the other part of the housing unit 5. For example, there may be a plurality extending radially from the top of the housing unit 5. However, to use the outside surface of the reinforcement section 21 as an information display surface, it is preferable that the surface include an expandable surface (a surface that can be expanded on a flat surface without stretching), and more preferable to include a cylindrical surface or a flat surface. Furthermore, the reinforcement section 21 may be provided in at least one of the pair of housing units 5.

Other examples of the reinforcement section 21 include an item for which one end is in contact with the edge of the housing unit 5, an item for which a plurality of small items having a rectangular surface, etc., are provided, an item having a honeycomb structure, an item for which recesses and projections are formed by changing the paper thickness, etc.

Each of the pair of housing units 5 has a plurality of through holes 22. With the present embodiment, two each of the through holes 22 are formed at the spherical part at both sides sandwiching the reinforcement section 21 of the housing units 5. However, the size, position, and quantity of the plurality of through holes 22 are not particularly limited. With this plurality of through holes 22, an airway is ensured even if the toy container 4 is aspirated.

Each of the pair of housing units 5 has the flange part 25 protruding to the outside from the substantially circular opening edge part along substantially the entire circumference of the opening edge part. The vertical wall 25 a of the first embodiment may also be provided on the flange part 25.

Of the pair of housing units 5, the first housing unit 5A has the locking projection 23. The locking projection 23 is configured in the same way as that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the locking projection 23 is provided at a position on the side opposite to the position linked by the linking unit 3 (position facing the linking unit 3) of the opening edge part of the first housing unit 5A. The locking projection 23 extends in flange form in the radial outward direction with respect to the opening edge part of the substantially circular first housing unit 5A in the plan view. The locking projection 23 has the tip part formed at a wider width than the width of the locking hole 24 described later. In specific terms, the locking projection 23 has at both sides in the width direction hook parts 23 a that extend at a prescribed width facing the tip, and that on the tip side, gradually narrow in width as they approach the tip after expanding in stepped form.

The first housing unit 5A has a locking recess 26 that can lock a lock unit 27 of the second housing unit 5B described later. The locking recess 26 is an example of the first locking part according to the present invention. The locking recess 26 is arranged at two locations at the sides facing each other to divide the opening edge part into four equal parts in the plan view including the position of the linking unit 3 and the position facing the linking unit 3 (position of the locking projection 23) of the opening edge part of the first housing unit 5A. Each locking recess 26 has the flange part 25 of the opening edge part formed in a notched shape at a prescribed width. The opening widths of each locking recess 26 are not uniform, but rather are formed so as to constrict facing the radially outward direction of the opening edge part (tip side of the flange part 25).

The position and quantity of the locking recess 26 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that a plurality be provided at positions excluding the position of the linking unit 3 and the position facing the linking unit 3 of the opening edge part of the first housing unit 5A.

Meanwhile, the second housing unit 5B has the locking hole 24 that can lock the locking projection 23 of the first housing unit 5A. The locking hole 24 is configured in the same way as that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the locking hole 24 is provided at a position opposite to the position at which the linking unit 3 is linked (position facing the linking unit 3) of the opening edge part of the second housing unit 5B, and with the present embodiment, is provided on the reinforcement section 21. This locking hole 24 is wider than the width of the tip and the base end side of the locking projection 23, and is formed to have a narrower width than the maximum width of the hook part 23 a.

The second housing unit 5B also has the lock unit 27. The lock unit 27 is an example of the first projecting part according to the present invention. The lock unit 27 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking recess 26 of the first housing unit 5A. In specific terms, the lock unit 27 is arranged at two locations at the sides facing each other to divide the opening edge part into four equal parts in the plan view including the position of the linking unit 3 and the position facing the linking unit 3 (position of the locking hole 24) of the opening edge part of the second housing unit 5B. Each lock unit 27 extends in flange form further in the radial outward direction of the opening edge parts than the flange parts 25, and the flange parts 25 at both sides are notched. Each lock unit 27 is formed with the width of the base end part narrower than the tip side. The width of this base end part is formed to be comparable to or slightly narrower than the maximum width of the locking recess 26 of the first housing unit 5A, and the width more to the tip side than the base end part is formed to be a little wider than the maximum width of the locking recess 26 of the first housing unit 5A. As a result, each locking recess 26 is bendable at the base end part, which, as described later, is locked to the locking recess 26 of the first housing unit 5A in the toy housing state.

The position and quantity of the lock units 27 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that a plurality be provided at positions excluding the position of the linking unit 3 and the position facing the linking unit 3 of the opening edge part of the second housing unit 5B. However, of course they are arranged at positions corresponding to the locking recesses 26 of the first housing unit 5A. For example, without providing the locking hole 24 (locking projection 23) at the position facing the linking unit 3, it is also possible to arrange the lock unit 27 (locking recess 26) at three locations of the opening edge part so as to divide the opening edge part of the second housing unit 5B (first housing unit 5A) into three equal parts in the plan view.

Each of the pair of housing units 5 has a finger hooking part (or hole) 28 in which a finger can lock. The finger hooking parts 28 are arranged in the periphery of the position facing the linking unit 3 (specifically, the position of the locking projection 23 or the locking hole 24) of the opening edge part of each housing unit 5, and is provided on the reinforcement section 21 in the present embodiment. Each finger hooking part 28 is a size in which a finger can be inserted, and is formed in a horizontally long hole shape (hole form) that is a little narrower in width than the reinforcement section 21. The hole shape of each finger hooking part 28 has the opening edge part side curved gradually to be a bigger hole toward the center, with the opposite side formed in a straight line, forming substantially a partial arc shape.

It is also possible to not provide the finger hooking part 28 at both sides of the pair of housing units 5, and it is sufficient to be provided at least at one of the pair of housing units 5. The position of the finger hooking part 28 is not particularly limited as long as it is in the periphery of the opening edge part, but it is preferably at the periphery of the position facing the linking unit 3. The shape of the finger hooking part 28 is not limited to being a hole shape as long as the finger can be locked, and for example may also be a concave-convex shape (including items having a plurality of small recesses and projections, etc.). The front view shape, etc., is also not limited to the item of the present embodiment.

2-2. Toy Housing State

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the toy container 4 in a toy housing state. FIG. 8B is a cross section view of the toy container 4 in line H-H of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are side views of the toy container 4 seen from the arrow J and the arrow K directions of FIG. 8A.

The same as with the toy container 1 of the first embodiment, the toy container 4 is in a toy housing state by the openings of the pair of housing units 5 being mutually closed from the molded state. In specific terms, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, from the molded state, while bending the linking unit 3, the openings of the pair of housing units 5 are closed with the opening edge parts (flange parts 25) of the pair of housing unit 5 aligned with each other. In this way the toy container 4 is in a substantially spherical toy housing state. At this time, the product (toy) is housed in the housing space inside the pair of housing units 5.

Then, the locking projection 23 of the first housing unit 5A is bent to the second housing unit 5B side so as to sandwich the flange part 25 of the second housing unit 5B, and is inserted inside the locking hole 24 of the second housing unit 5B. At this time, the locking projection 23 is inserted until the hook part 23 a is pushed into the locking hole 24 and enters the housing space. As a result, the hook part 23 a of the locking projection 23 is locked in the locking hole 24, and the pair of housing units 5 have the openings closed to retain the toy housing state. The pair of housing units 5 are linked in living hinge form in a state with the locking projection 23 inserted in the locking hole 24.

Furthermore, the two lock units 27 of the second housing unit 5B are bent to the first housing unit 5A side at the base end part, and when inserted from radially outward to inside the two locking recesses 26 of the first housing unit 5A, each lock unit 27 is locked in the locking recess 26. Specifically, each lock unit 27 is locked in the radial direction to the tip side part of the inserted locking recess 26, which prevents falling out in the radial direction from the locking recess 26 and returning to a stretched state. Each lock unit 27 is also locked in the direction in which the pair of housing units 5 open (vertical direction in FIG. 10) by the inserted locking recess 26, preventing falling out in that direction from the locking recess 26. As a result, the toy housing state of the pair of housing units 5 with the openings closed is retained more strongly.

When the user takes out the product (toy) from the toy container 4 in a toy housing state, first, fingers of both hands (for example two each of the index finger and middle finger) are pushed into the two finger hooking parts 28 of the pair of housing units 5. Then, the toy container 4 may be opened by pulling apart the pair of housing units 5 using both hands to open from the position facing the linking unit 3. Since the locking projection 23 (or the linking unit 3) and the lock unit 27 that retain the toy housing state are made of paper, by opening the pair of housing units 5 by applying force using the fingers on the finger hooking part 28, it is possible to tear relatively easily.

Alternatively, it is also possible to individually tear by hand (cut into pieces) the locking projection 23 (or the linking unit 3) and the lock unit 27 to open the toy container 4. Slits may also be provided at the sides of the locking projection 23 (or the linking unit 3) or the lock unit 27 to make tearing easier.

2-3. Method for Manufacturing the Toy Container

The toy container 4 is manufactured using the same manufacturing method (manufacturing process) as that of the toy container 1 of the first embodiment.

2-4. Technical Effect of the Second Embodiment

As described above, with the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Also, with the second embodiment, the second housing unit 5B has the bendable lock unit 27 at the opening edge part, and the first housing unit 5A has the locking recess 26 that can lock the lock unit 27 at the opening edge part.

As a result, by bending the lock unit 27 and locking to the locking recess 26 in a state with the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units 5 aligned, the pair of housing units 5 can be fixed while suppressing the formation of a gap at the mating surfaces of the opening edge parts. Therefore, it is possible to suitably fix the pair of housing units 5 made of paper.

Also, with the second embodiment, a plurality of the lock units 27 and the lock units 26 (two in the present embodiment) are arranged at positions excluding the position of the linking unit 3 and the position facing the linking unit 3 of the respective opening edge parts of the pair of housing units 5.

As a result, having a gap occur in the mating surfaces of the opening edge parts is more reliably suppressed, and it is possible to more suitably fix the pair of housing units 5.

Also, with the second embodiment, at least one of the pair of housing units 5 has the finger hooking part 28 in which a finger can lock at the periphery of the opening edge part.

As a result, in the toy container 4 in the toy housing state, it is possible to easily open the toy container 4 by pulling apart the pair of housing units 5 by placing fingers in the finger hooking parts 28.

Also, with the second embodiment, the finger hooking parts 28 are arranged at the periphery of the position facing the linking unit 3 of the opening edge part of the housing unit 5, so with the linking unit 3 as the fulcrum, it is easier to add force in the opening direction of the pair of housing units 5, and the toy container 4 can be opened more easily.

3. Modification Example

Embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be appropriately modified in a scope that does not stray from the gist of the present invention.

For example, with the embodiments above, each of the pair of housing units 2 and 5 were substantially hemispherical, but the pair of housing units 2 and 5 are not particularly limited to that shape as long as the housing space is defined by the pair of housing units 2 and 5 combining with each other. For example, each of the housing units 2 and 5 may also be formed to be concave rather than hemispherical, or one of the housing units 2 and 5 may have a large housing space and the other housing unit 2 and 5 may be in a lid form that closes the opening.

The pair of housing units 2 and 5 may also be individual items that are not linked by a hinge.

With the embodiments noted above, by locking the locking projection 23 in the locking hole 24, a toy housing state was retained in which the openings of the pair of housing units 2 and 5 are closed. However, the method for closing the openings of the pair of housing units 2 and 5 is not limited to this, and for example, it is also possible to glue the opening edge parts (flange parts 25) of the pair of housing units 2 and 5 to each other, or to join them using paper tape. In this case, at least on one of the housing units 2 of the first embodiment, it is preferable to provide the finger hooking part 28 provided in the housing unit 5 of the second embodiment.

The locking projection 23 may also be configured to be inserted in the locking hole 24 from inside the housing units 2 and 5 rather than from the outside of the housing units 2 and 5.

The locking projection 23 may also have a slit formed at the tip, etc., for example, so as to be easily inserted into the locking hole 24.

It is also possible to not have the flange part 25 at the opening edge part of each housing unit 2 and 5. In this case, in the toy housing state, the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units 2 and 5 are in contact with each other.

Also, the locking projection 23 and the locking hole 24 may have the same locking structure as the lock unit 27 and the locking recess 26 of the second embodiment.

With the second embodiment, the locking recess 26 was provided in the first housing unit 5A, and the lock unit 27 was provided in the second housing unit 5B, but it is also possible to provide the lock unit 27 in the first housing unit 5A, and to provide the locking recess 26 in the second housing unit 5B. Also, the lock unit 27 and the locking recess 26 may be provided in the pair of housing units 2 of the first embodiment.

With the embodiments noted above, the toy containers 1 and 4 were configured from a pair (two) of housing units 2 and 5, but it is also possible to configure these from housing units formed by a set of three or more.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention is useful for realizing an environmentally friendly toy container.

Effect of the Invention

According to the first means, the toy container is made of paper that contains a prescribed amount of pulp, so it is possible to have a more environmentally friendly toy container than in the past when made of plastic that does not naturally decompose.

According to the second means, at least one of a pair of substantially hemispherical housing units has a reinforcement section formed to be concave or convex with respect to the other part of the housing unit, so it is possible to improve the strength of the housing unit against deformation using this reinforcement section.

According to the third means, in the reinforcement section, the outside surface of the housing unit includes a flat surface or a cylindrical surface. For that reason, it is possible to use that surface as an information display surface by attaching or directly printing a label on the surface of this reinforcement section.

According to the ninth means, by bending a first projecting part and locking it to a first locking part in a state with the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units aligned, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap at the mating surfaces of the opening edge parts and fix the pair of housing units. Therefore, it is possible to suitably fix the pair of housing units made of paper.

According to the tenth means, a plurality of the first projecting parts and the first locking parts are arranged at positions excluding the position of the linking unit and the position facing the linking unit on the opening edge parts of the pair of housing units. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the occurrence of a gap in the mating surfaces of the opening edge parts and to more suitably fix the pair of housing units.

According to the eleventh means, at least one of the pair of housing units has a finger hooking part on the opening edge part periphery in which a finger can lock, so the toy container can easily be opened by hooking a finger in the finger hooking part in the toy container in a toy housing state and pulling apart the pair of housing units.

According to the twelfth means, the finger hooking part is arranged on the periphery of the position facing the linking unit of the opening edge part of the housing unit, so with the linking unit as a fulcrum, it is easy to add force in the direction in which the pair of housing units open, and to open the toy container more easily. 

1. A toy container for accommodating a toy, wherein the toy container is made of paper that contains a prescribed amount of pulp.
 2. The toy container according to claim 1, comprising first and second hemispherical housing units, wherein the first hemispherical housing unit includes reinforcement section having a curved shape.
 3. The toy container according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcement section includes an outside surface, and the reinforcement section partially includes a flat part or a cylindrical part thereon.
 4. The toy container according to claim 2, further comprising a linking unit linking the first and second hemispherical housing units, and the linking unit is a living hinge.
 5. The toy container according to claim 4, wherein the linking unit is configured at a first position on a first opening edge part of the first hemispherical housing unit and a second position on a second opening edge part of the second hemispherical hosing unit, one of the first and second hemispherical housing units includes locking projection, when the first hemispherical hosing unit includes the locking projection, the locking projection is configured at a third position on the first opening edge part, where the third position is opposite to the first position, when the second hemispherical hosing unit includes the locking projection, the locking projection is configured at a fourth position on the second opening edge part, where the fourth position is opposite to the second position, the other of the first and second hemispherical housing units has a locking hole in which the locking projection is locked.
 6. The toy container according to claim 5, wherein the locking projection includes a tip part having a wider width than a width of the locking hole.
 7. The toy container according to claim 5, wherein the locking projection is elastic to be bent and inserted into the locking hole, and when the locking projection is in the locking hole, the first and second hemispherical hosing units abut to each other at the first and second opening edge parts.
 8. The toy container according to claim 7, wherein the locking projection links the first and second hemispherical housing units as the living hinge when the locking projection is in the locking hole.
 9. The toy container according to claim 2, wherein one of the first and second hemispherical housing units includes a bendable first projecting part, the other of the first and second hemispherical housing units includes a first locking part, when the first hemispherical housing unit includes the first projecting part, the first projecting part is configured on a first opening edge part the first hemispherical hosing unit, and the first locking part is configured on a second opening edge part of the second hemispherical hosing unit, and the first projecting part is locked in the first locking part a linking unit linking the first and second hemispherical housing units, the linking unit is a living hinge.
 10. The toy container according to claim 9, further comprising a linking unit linking the first and second hemispherical housing units when the first hemispherical housing unit includes the first projecting part, the first hemispherical hosing unit includes a second projecting part and the second hemispherical hosing unit includes a second locking part to lock the second projecting part, and each of the second projecting part and the second locking part is not configured where the linking unit is configured.
 11. The toy container according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first and second hemispherical housing units includes a finger hooking hole for a user to insert a finger.
 12. The toy container according to claim 11, wherein when the first hemispherical hosing unit includes the finger hooking part, the finger hooking part is configured at a position adjacent to a periphery of the first opening edge, and the position is opposite to where the linking unit is configured. 